Visitors

There is open visiting for parents and carers. We would prefer no visitors after 7.30pm to assist in settling the children for the night. All visiting children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult known to the admitted child and family - please discuss this with the Nurse in Charge if the patient is an adolescent.

We discourage the use of televisions during school hours so that children can rest or complete their school work. We ask that during this time that visitors – except for direct family - are discouraged and televisions are either switched off or the volume lowered. The play room is open though out this time if children wish to take part in activities there.

Security

On entering the unit there is an intercom system where you press the button and identify yourself to staff. Please do not let anyone behind you enter the unit unless they are in your party.

All staff have identity badges which should be displayed at all times. They will introduce themselves when they come to see you and your child.

Please inform a member of staff if you are leaving the ward to ensure we are aware of which children are unaccompanied. If you would like a visitor, such as a member of your extended family to visit your child when you are not present, please give their name to a member of staff, as we cannot let them do so without your permission.

Going Home

Any required equipment, support or follow up visits will be arranged prior to your discharge. If you have any questions about your / your child’s discharge plans please ask a member of nursing staff.

Cleanliness and Infections in Hospital

Some children are admitted to hospital with infections that require them to be cared for away from other children to prevent the spread of that particular infection. These patients will have a yellow card on their door and we ask that you please follow the instructions given to you by staff. Please pay particular attention to hand washing and general cleanliness at all times, especially when leaving the room.

If your child has been in contact with chickenpox, measles or mumps within 3 weeks of their admittance to hospital, please inform a member of staff.

In the children’s centre we have low rates of MRSA and other incidents of cross infection – but we ask you to help us keep this low rate by using the hand gel as you enter and leave the unit and by paying attention to the advice given to you by nursing and medical staff re isolation or recommendations on who should or should not visit.

Hand washing. The most common means by which infection is transmitted is by hand, therefore handwashing is a very basic, yet vital infection control measure. Alcohol hand gel is kept at the entrance of the ward and at each bedside for all the visitors to use before and after visiting. For hygienic hand disinfection apply 3ml (3 shots) to physically clean hands for 30 seconds ensuring all areas are covered, until dry.

Visitors are requested not to sit on patients beds, this is to help minimise the risk of spread of infection and for other health and safety reasons. For further information on Cleanliness and Infection click here.